Method and apparatus for meat cut classification of fat thickness for downstream trimming

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for classification of a meat cut based on the thickness of the fat layer. The meat classification system comprises a split dual-belt conveyor system and a probe/trolley mechanism assembly where the probe is operable to penetrate the meat cut for measuring fat thickness as the meat cut is being conveyed along the dual belts.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] (1) Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to classification of a cut ofmeat based on the thickness of the layer of fat on the meat and, moreparticularly, to determining the thickness of the layer of fat on a meatcut and providing the thickness information to a downstream fat trimmingoperation.

[0003] (2) Background Art

[0004] During production processing of animal carcasses, the carcass isseparated or disassembled down to its primal and sub primal cuts ofmeat. Many of these cuts of meat have undesirable layers of fat attachedto the lean portion of the meat cut. It is typical during the dressingof a meat cut to trim away the undesirable layer of fat. This fattrimming operation is particularly common during the productionprocessing of a pork carcass when dressing the loin portion sub primalcut of the pork carcass. The pork carcass, as with other animalcarcasses, is typically separated down the back bone into two halves andthen disassembled to its primal and sub primal meat cuts such as theloin portion. The loin portion of the carcass comprises a portion of theback bone, ribs, meat or lean, and an outer layer of fat. This outerlayer of fat is typically separated from the meat or lean portion of theloin.

[0005] This trimming operation can of course be performed by a personutilizing a knife. However, a person utilizing a knife has difficulty indiscerning the thickness of the fat layer in order to efficiently andeffectively trim the fat from the cut of meat. To solve this problemautomated machines or sensors have been developed for measuring thethickness of the fat layer and this measured thickness data can beprovided to an automated fat trimming system for performing a subsequentfat trimming operation. The process of measuring or sensing the fatthickness for subsequent fat trimming is clearly disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,979,269 issued Dec. 25, 1990 to Norrie and in U.S. Pat. No.6,277,019 issued Aug. 21 2001 to Veldkamp et al.

[0006] It is clear from Norrie and Veldkamp that there are variousmethods to sense or determine the thickness of the layer of fat on ameat cut such as capturing an image of the cut of meat with a camera orother image capturing device from a perspective where the thickness canbe discerned and analyzing the image. Another common and possibly moreeffective method is to penetrate the meat cut with a probe operable tosense the fat thickness as the meat cut travels along a conveyor.However, in order to physically penetrate the meat cut with a probe asit is being conveyed, typically the conveyor stops or indexes while theprobe is being inserted. This stopping or indexing action performed inorder to probe each meat cut slows down the operation to an unacceptablepace. It is desirable to be able to probe the meat cut as it is beingcontinuously conveyed without indexing or stopping the meat cut item.The present invention addresses this problem as well as other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is a meat cut classification method andapparatus for sensing the thickness of a layer of fat on a cut of meatas it travels along a conveyance and providing the fat thickness orclassification information to a downstream system for performing a fattrimming operation. The meat cut classification system comprises asplit/dual-belt conveyor having split dual belts proximately spacedapart extending in the same direction and having a uniform equidistantgap there between and said conveyor having a drive for conveying themeat cut through the classification system and a probe/trolley mechanismassembly operable to position the probe between the dual belts of theconveyor and extend the probe upward between the dual belts to penetratethe meat cut for measuring the fat thickness. The probe/trolleymechanism assembly is further operable to translate the probe in adirection and at a velocity that is synchronized with the direction andvelocity of the dual-belt conveyor. This can be achieved by using thesame drive for the conveyor and the trolley mechanism.

[0008] The meat cut classifier can be positioned such that the dual-beltconveyor can receive incoming meat cuts from an upstream conveyor orother input means. The classifier system can have a sensor operable tosense when the first end of the meat cut arrives on the dual belts. Whenthe first end is sensed the probe/trolley mechanism is translated fromthe home position to a position below the meat cut being conveyedthrough the classifier and the translation direction and speed issynchronized with that of the conveyor prior to vertically extending theprobe for insertion into the meat cut. Synchronizing the velocity of theconveyor and the probe/trolley mechanism can be accomplished by clutchand chain mechanism with a cam follower. The clutch engages the conveyordrive which maintains a constant speed between the conveyor and thetrolley.

[0009] The probe can be an elongated instrument having a somewhatpointed end portion such that when it is pressed against the meat cutpenetration occurs into the fat layer and extends through the fat tolean transition. The probe can be instrumented with a sensor that candetermine when the probe extends through the fat to lean interface aswell as instrumented with a linear encoder for sensing the amount ofextension of the probe or the fat layer depth. The probe is furtheroperable to send a signal representative of the fat thickness.

[0010] These and other advantageous features of the present inventionwill be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a better understanding of the present invention, referencemay be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a left-front isometric view of the classificationstation showing the classifier system's split dual-belt conveyor withdrive and the stabilizing roller;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a right-rear isometric view of the classificationstation showing the classifier system's probe/trolley mechanism assemblywith a clutch;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a front view of the classification station;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a rear view of the classification station;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a rear illustrative view of the conveyor andprobe/trolley mechanism assembly with one of the dual belts cut-away andother components cut-away for illustrating the movement and operation ofthe probe relative to the conveyor;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a side illustrative view of the split dual-belt conveyorand probe/trolley mechanism assembly;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a top illustrative plan view of the split dual-beltconveyor and probe/trolley mechanism assembly;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a right-front isometric view of the probe/trolleymechanism assembly showing the probe shaft;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a left-rear isometric view of the probe/trolleymechanism assembly showing the Cam Follower and Roller Chain;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the probe assembly; and

[0022]FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of the classification system operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0023] According to the embodiment(s) of the present invention, variousviews are illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 and like reference numerals are beingused consistently throughout to refer to like and corresponding parts ofthe invention for all of the various views and figures of the drawing.Also, please note that the first digit(s) of the reference number for agiven item or part of the invention should correspond to the Fig. numberin which the item or part is first identified.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention, comprising aclassification station further comprising a split dual-belt conveyor anda probe/trolley mechanism assembly with a clutch and cam followermechanism, teaches a novel apparatus and method for classifying a meatcut. The classification station is downstream from a conveyor systemoperable to feed meat cuts to the classification station forclassification of the meat cut based on the thickness of the fat layer.The split dual-belt conveyor of the classification station is positionedfor receiving a meat cut from an upstream conveyor feed system onto thedual-belts of the conveyor system. The feed system can be anyappropriate conveyance means such as a conveyor belt.

[0025] When the meat cut is received on the dual-belts the meat cut isconveyed upstream along the path of conveyance to a point where it isdetected by a sensor. When the meat cut is detected the probe/trolleymechanism assembly is activated to begin travel along the same path ofconveyance of the meat cut in order to position the probe forpenetration and sensing of the fat layer. The probe/trolley mechanismtravels from its home position along the path of conveyance until itreaches a constant speed or enters a constant speed zone at which timethe constant speed or entry into the constant speed zone is sensed andthe data acquisition sequence begins. The data acquisition sequencebegins by activating the probe to elevate upward until penetration ofthe meat cut is achieved. A cylinder having an encoder drives the probeshaft in and out of the meat cut. The encoder monitors and reports thelevel of elevation of the probe or depth of penetration into the meatcut. Further upstream a sensor detects the position of the probe/trolleymechanism once the probe/trolley mechanism has traveled a predetermineddistance along the path of conveyance and the sensor generates a trolleyend of travel detection signal. This detection signal triggers the endof the data acquisition sequence at which time the probe is actuated toretract from the meat cut ending the data acquisition sequence upon fullretraction. During the data acquisition sequence, data can be gatheredduring the upward stroke of the probe or penetration as well as duringthe downward stroke of the probe or retraction. The probe/trolleymechanism is then returned to its home position and arrives at a stop.

[0026] The details of the invention and various embodiments can bebetter understood by referring to the figures of the drawing. Referringto FIG. 1, a left front isometric view of the classification station 102is shown comprising the classifier system's split dual-belt conveyorsystem 108 having first and second dual-belts 110 and 112. The take upbearing 120 for the conveyor is also shown. The split dual-belt conveyoris driven by a drive motor 113. The split dual-belt conveyor system isshown mounted on a classification station frame 104. Also mounted on theclassification station frame is a controller unit 106. The controllerunit contains a PLC or other computing means. The PLC performs all mainelectrical control and processes all data gathering functions of themachine. Inputs include: Encoder Position, Fat/Lean Interface, ProductPresent Sensor. The PLC also has the ability to communicate this data toother equipment. As a meat cut is conveyed along the path of theconveyance during the data acquisition sequence a roller mechanism 114can be lowered to apply a downward pressure against the meat cut inorder to facilitate penetration of the probe 116. The downward pressureapplied by the roller 114 may be necessary to hold the meat cut down asthe probe is elevated upward pressing against the meat cut. The weightof the meat may not be adequate to hold position, therefore the downwardpressure can be applied.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, a right rear isometric view of theclassification station is shown comprising the classifier system'sprobe/trolley mechanism assembly 202. When a meat cut is sensed theclutch 204 is engaged to drive belt 206 and drive wheel 208 in order todrive the trolley chain. The trolley chain is operably connected to theprobe/trolley mechanism assembly to effect linear motion of the assemblyand the probe attached thereto along v-rail 210. The v-rail shown can byany other appropriate guide member or guide means. The assembly isaligned such that the probe travels along the path of conveyance. Thelinear translation is determined by the v-rail 210 on which the assemblytravels. When the assembly has traveled a predetermined distance theclutch 204 is disengaged in order to halt the drive being transferred tothe trolley chain. Also shown in this view is a sensor mounting plate216 where sensors are mounted that are operable to detect the positionand/or speed of the probe/trolley mechanism assembly. The plate hasadjustment slots for repositioning the plate and the sensors. Anyappropriate sensors well known to those in the art can be utilized tosense to position and/or speed of the trolley. The sensed data can beforwarded to the controller where it can be determined if the trolleyspeed is synchronized with the conveyance speed. This data is useful toindicate when the controller should activate insertion and retraction ofa probe. These sensors can be referred to as speed synchronizationsensors.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, a front view of the classification stationis shown. The conveyor is shown having a guard plate 308. The side viewreveals the encoder actuation cylinder assembly 310 which is operable toelevate the probe assembly upward such that the end of the probe pressesagainst the meat cut. The probe assembly 214 comprises a probe 116 aswell as an encoded cylinder and probe electronics. The probe assemblytravels forward and in reverse along the path of conveyance and is heldin place by cam followers and a rail. The probe assembly is positionedsuch that the probe when elevated upward extends upward between thesplit dual belts.

[0029] This side view further reveals the stabilizing roller assemblycomprising the stabilizing roller 114 which is rotatably attached by anaxle to a jointed two member arm 302. Joint 306 of the two member armprovides a pivot point about which the two members of the arm flex.Cylinder 304 is operably attached to one member of the two member armthat is attached to the stabilizing roller 114. The cylinder is extendedand retracted in order to lower and raise the arm member attached to theroller by flexing about the pivot to thereby lower and raise thestabilizing roller respectively thereby applying pressure and relievingpressure being applied to a meat cut. Pressure from the roller isapplied when the probe is being inserted. When a meat cut leading edgeis detected by a meat cut present sensor and the probe assembly hasreached constant speed as determined by a speed synchronization sensor,the stabilizing roller cylinder is actuated thereby lowering the rollerto apply a downward pressure as the probe assembly cylinder is actuatedto elevate the probe and to press against the meat for penetration.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, a rear view of the classification station102 is shown. This view reveals the clutch 204. When the clutch 204 isengaged the primary wheel drive 408 is powered thereby powering belt 206to transfer power to the secondary wheel drive 208. The wheel drive 208in turn drives the roller chain which effects movement of the probeassembly 214. The entire probe/trolley mechanism assembly 202 is shownmounted on the station frame 104. The v-rail 210 is also mounted on thestation frame 104. The probe assembly translates back and forth on thev-rail 210, as controlled by the trolley chain. The sensor plate 216 isalso shown having a slot 406 providing for adjustments in position ofthe plate and sensors. When a sensor detects that the probe assembly isapproaching the end of the constant speed zone at which time a signal issent to the controller for disengaging the clutch 204.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, a rear illustrative view of the conveyor andprobe/trolley mechanism assembly with one of the dual belts cut away andother components cut away for clarity is shown. This view illustratesthe movement and the operation of the probe assembly relative to theconveyor. This view illustrates the home position sensor 510, the startprobe penetration sensor 514 and the start probe retraction sensor 516.The home position sensor 510 senses when the probe assembly 214 is inits home position 512 and ready for the next incoming meat cut. Thestart probe penetration sensor 514 senses when the probe assembly is inposition to begin probe penetration that is in the constant speed zone506. The start probe retraction sensor senses when the probe assembly isin position for retraction of the probe that is as the probe assembly214 approaches the end of the constant speed zone 506. Probe penetrationand probe retraction is performed during the constant speed zone 506.Probe penetration and retraction is performed while traveling throughthe zone because it is at this time that the probe assembly matches thespeed of the meat cut traveling along the dual belt conveyor. The probeshould not be inserted or retracted just prior to or immediately afterthe constant speed zone during the deceleration zone 508 and thedeceleration zone 504 respectively. Probe penetration and proberetracting should not be performed during either of the decelerationzones. The deceleration zones are due to the cam follower/connecting pinassembly's travel about the trolley chain sprockets.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, a side illustrative view of the split dualbelt conveyor and probe/trolley mechanism assembly is shown. A meat cut606 is illustrated as being conveyed on the split dual belt conveyor.First and second sensors 608 and 610 are illustrated along opposingsides of the conveyor that are positioned to sense the presence of ameat cut at various locations along the conveyance path. These sensorscan be referred to as meat cut detection or meat cut present sensors.The sensors are adapted to provide a meat cut present control signal toa controller. The first and second dual belts 110 and 112 are shownconveying the meat cut 606. The probe 116 is shown extending upwardthrough the gap between the first and second dual belts. The probe 116can be actuated cylinder 604 to elevate the probe upward to pressagainst the meat cut and penetrate through the layer of fat. The probeassembly 214 has a plurality of v wheels 602 mounted thereon by an axleassembly. The v wheels 602 travel along rail 210 thereby translating theprobe assembly along the path of conveyance. The rail 210 extendsparallel the path of conveyance. The probe assembly is attached to thetrolley assembly by junction 614 which is a connection between aconnection pin and bushing assembly and a connecting pin mounting plateattached to the trolley chain. This junction will be described furtherwhen discussing FIG. 9.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, a top illustrative plan view of the splitdual belt conveyor and probe/trolley mechanism assembly is shown. Themotor function is illustrated as item 113 which powers the split dualbelt conveyor 108 which comprises first and second dual belts 110 and112. The dual belt conveys the meat cut along the path of conveyancedefined by the orientation and direction of the parallel dual belts 110and 112. A sensor 608 or meat cut detection sensor is illustrated whichis operable to detect the presence of the front end of a meat cuttraveling along the path of conveyance. When a meat cut is detected bythe meat cut detection sensor the sensor is operable to transmit a meatcut present signal to a controller so that the clutch 204 can be engagedand thereby receiving power from motor 113. When the clutch 204 isengaged whereby pulley wheel 704 is powered thereby transferring powerto pulley wheel 706 by way of pulley belt 708. Power is in turntransferred from pulley wheel 706 to pulley wheel or sprocket 710 byaxle and bearing member 712. Pulley wheel or sprocket 710 powers theroller chain and thereby effects translation of the probe/trolleymechanism assembly 202. The probe/trolley mechanism assembly 202 isattached to the roller chain by a cam follower/connecting pin assembly702. The roller chain effects translation of the probe/trolley mechanismassembly along the rail 210. The probe assembly 214 is shown with theprobe positioned in the gap between the first and second dual belts 110and 112. The v-rail 210 which defines the forward and reverse directionof translation for the probe/trolley mechanism assembly is parallel todual belts and the direction of conveyance of the meat cut. Thisconfiguration allows the probe to travel in-line with the conveyancepath of the meat cut.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 8, a right front isometric view of theprobe/trolley mechanism assembly is shown having the probe shaftextending upward. For illustration purposes, the probe/trolley mechanismassembly 202 along with the rail 210 is shown separated from the trolleyroller chain 820. However, in actual operation the probe/trolleymechanism assembly is operably attached to the trolley roller chain bythe cam follower/connecting pin assembly. Drive shaft 826 is shownextending through bearing 824 to power the sprocket 710 and the trolleyroller chain 820. The drive shaft is powered by drive the same as thedrive that powers the conveyor. Power is applied to the drive shaft whenthe clutch is engaged as discussed above. A connecting pin mount 822 isattached to the trolley roller chain 820 which provides a mounting pointfor the cam follower/connecting pin assembly. It is this connection thateffects the translation of the probe/trolley mechanism assembly 202along rail 210 on v wheels 602. When the connecting pin travels alongthe top run of the roller chain the trolley translates in the directionof conveyance and reverses translation when traveling along the bottomrun. When the connection pin is transitioning from the top run to thebottom run and vice versa the trolley is not traveling at a constantspeed. However, when traveling along to top or lower run the translationspeed is synchronized with the conveyance speed. A speed synchronizationsensor can be utilized to sense when the trolley translation speed issynchronized to the conveyance speed which can be a speed sensor, or aposition sensor that senses when the trolley is in the constant speedzone (upper run and lower run) or other appropriate sensor. The speedsynchronization sensor can be operable to transmit to a controller aspeed synchronization control signal. Synchronization of the trolleytranslation speed with the conveyance speed allows for continuousconveyance of the meat cut during probing.

[0035] Also shown is a probe shaft 808 mounted on a probe seat mount 806where the probe shaft 808 extends vertically upward from a seat mount806. The probe shaft has a window 810 through which an infrared emittertransmits an infrared signal and through which an infrared receiverreceives back reflected infrared signals. The probe has a pointed end812 that is sufficiently pointed to penetrate the meat cut when pressedagainst the meat cuts exterior. The probe seat mount 806 is mounted onbracket 804 which extends outward from the body of the probe/trolleymechanism assembly. The bracket 804 is attached to a cylinder plate 824which in turn is attached to an encoded cylinder assembly 802. Theencoded cylinder assembly effects movement of the probe up and down. Thecylinder is encoded such that it monitors the position of the probe andreports the position data to the controller. The position of the probecan be correlated by the controller to the probe's sensing of the fat tolean transition or interface. This allows the controller to determinethe fat thickness.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 9, a left rear isometric view of theprobe/trolley mechanism assembly is shown. As shown by FIG. 8 driveshaft 826 drives trolley roller chain 820. The connecting pin mount 822is again shown attached to the trolley roller chain 820. Again, forillustrative purposes, the connecting pin and bushing 904 is not shownattached to the connecting pin mount 822. However, under normaloperation the connecting pin and bushing is attached to the connectingpin mount. The connecting pin 904 is rotatable about axle member 905.The axle member 905 attaches the connecting pin and bushing to the camfollower 902. The cam follower is slidably mounted on track rail 906 byv wheels 908. The track rail 906 is mountably attached to the trolleymain body or housing. The cam follower 902 can slide vertically up anddown along the vertical track rail 906 which allows the probe/trolleymechanism assembly to translate forward and backward along the rail 210as powered by trolley roller chain 820. When the probe/trolley mechanismassembly is translating in the forward direction along rail 210 the camfollower is at its maximum vertical height such that the connecting pinand the portion of the roller chain to which it is attached ispositioned above. When the probe/trolley mechanism assembly is travelingin the reverse direction the cam follower is at its minimum verticalheight such that the connecting pin is below. This configuration makesit possible for the trolley to go back and forth as needed between thetwo chain sprockets. Also the trolley will move at a constant speedbetween the two chain sprockets and will decelerate and accelerateduring the transition from the maximum vertical height of the camfollower to the minimum vertical height of the cam follower and viceversa. The deceleration is due to travel about the sprocket.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 10, a side view of the probe is shown. Theprobe comprises a probe shaft 808 having a window 810. The window 810allows an infrared signal or other appropriate signal to be transmittedfrom an infrared transmitter or other appropriate signal emitterpositioned adjacent the window in the interior of the probe shaftthrough the window to an area exterior the probe shaft. The window 810also allows reflected infrared signals or other appropriate reflectedsignal to be transmitted back through the window to the interior of theprobe to an infrared receiver or other appropriate signal receiverpositioned adjacent the window. The probe also comprises a bushing 1002which mounts into the probe seat mount. The probe also comprises apointed end 812 which is sufficiently pointed to penetrate the meat cutwhen the probe is pressed against the exterior of the meat cut.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 11, a flow diagram of the meat classificationoperation is shown. Functional block 1102 represents the system startfunction. The system can be started or initiated remotely or locally bysimply providing an initiation signal to the controller. This can simplybe performed by actuation of a button. Within this start functionalblock 1102, it is verified that the probe/trolley mechanism assembly isin its home position and that the probe is in its down or retractedposition. It is also confirmed that the split dual belt conveyor ispowered. Functional block 1104 is a decision functional block whichchecks the status of a sensor which detects the front end of a meat cuttraveling along the conveyance path. If the sensor provides a positiveindication for the presence of a meat cut on the conveyor the operationmoves to functional block 1106. If a meat cut is not detected by thesensor then decision block 1104 will continue to monitor the sensoruntil a meat cut is detected. Functional block 1106 engages the clutchto power the trolley. Decision block 1108 checks to see if the trolleyspeed sensor indicates that the trolley is traveling at a speedsynchronous with the conveyor speed (or at a constant speed or in theconstant speed zone). If the sensor detects that the trolley istraveling at a constant speed or is in the constant speed zone theoperation moves to functional block 1110. However, if constant speed isnot detected functional block 1108 will continue to monitor the sensoruntil the sensor indicates that the trolley is at constant speed.Functional block 1110 starts the data acquisition sequence. Within thisfunctional block the probe is actuated to penetrate the meat cut fordetermining the fat thickness. The probe will detect a transition fromfat to lean by utilizing the infrared transmitter and receiver. Theencoded cylinder will provide linear position data that reflects theheight of the probe which can be correlated to the transition betweenfat and lean. This data can be gathered during the upward stroke of theprobe and/or during the downward stroke of the probe. Decision block1112 monitors a trolley end of travel sensor which detects the positionof the trolley just prior to entering the deceleration zone. If thesensor provides an end of travel signal then the operation moves tofunctional block 1114. If an end of travel signal is not provided thendecision block 1112 continues to monitor the sensor until an end oftravel is detected. Functional block 1114 is representative of thefunction to activate retraction of the probe as the trolley approachesthe end of the constant speed zone. During the data acquisition sequencestarting with functional block 1110 and ending with functional block1114, data is gathered by the probe to sense the transition from fat tolean.

[0039] Data can be gathered during penetration and during retraction ofthe probe. An infrared transmitter located in the interior of the probeshaft positioned adjacent a window in the probe shaft emits an infraredsignal through the window to an area exterior the probe shaft. Theinfrared signal is reflected back off the meat surrounding the probeshaft window and enters the window to be received by an infraredreceiver also interior the probe shaft positioned adjacent the window.The infrared receiver transmits a signal to a controller representativeof the meat surrounding the window in the probe shaft. The infraredsignal reflection will vary from fat to lean such that the transitionfrom fat to lean can be detected as the probe is inserted and/orretracted. The vertical position of the probes encoder cylinder can becorrelated by the controller with the data showing the transition fromfat to lean. This correlation will allow the thickness of the fat layerto be determined by the controller and transmitted by the controllerdownstream to a fat trimming station or apparatus. Once the probe isretracted, the probe/trolley mechanism assembly is returned to its homeposition. Decision block 1116 is representative of the function ofmonitoring a sensor which detects when the probe/trolley mechanismassembly is in the home position. If the sensor detects that theassembly is in the home position then the operation transitions tofunctional block 1118. If the assembly is not detected decision block1116 continues to monitor for the assembly returning to the homeposition at which time the operation transitions to functional block1118. Functional block 1118 is representative of the function ofreleasing the clutch and thereby removing power to the trolley rollerchain. Decision block 1120 looks for a stop signal indication such thatif a stop signal is present the drive motor is halted thereby turningoff the conveyor. If a stop signal is not present the operation returnsto functional block 1104.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 12, a system controller 1202 as shown isoperatively connected to a start function 1201. When the controllerreceives a start signal from 1201 the controller 1202 activates a motor1204 which provides power for the conveyor and the trolley mechanism.Once the motor 1204 has been activated the controller 1202 monitors thehome position sensor 1205 to determine if the probe/trolley mechanismassembly is in the home position. If the assembly is detected at thehome position but no meat cut is detected then the clutch function 1210should be triggered to release the clutch. The controller also monitorsthe cylinder encoder 1206 to determine if the probe is in its retractedposition. The controller will then monitor the speed synchronizationsensor and a meat cut detection sensor 1208 operable to sense the frontend of a meat cut traveling along the conveyor. When the front end of ameat cut is sensed by the meat cut detection signal sensor representedin functional block 1208, a front end meat cut sensor signal is sent tothe controller which in turn activates the clutch 1210 in order to powerthe trolley. The controller will then monitor the constant speed zonesensor 1212 (or speed synchronization sensor) to determine when thetrolley has entered the constant speed zone at which time the controlleractivates the cylinder encoder 1206 to elevate the probe. As the probepenetrates the meat, the probe IR receiver 1216 transmits IR signals tothe controller which represents fat or lean as seen by the probe. Thecontroller also monitors for an end of travel sensor 1214 signalindicating that the trolley is approaching the end of the constant speedzone at which time the controller will activate the cylinder encoder1206 to retract the probe. The controller can optionally communicatewith the stabilizing roller cylinder function 1220 in order to cause thestabilizer roller to lower applying pressure against the meat cut as theprobe is being inserted. The controller also monitors for a stop signalfrom a stop function 1218. The controller utilizes the data transmissionfrom the encoded cylinder to determine the position of the probe. Thisposition data allows the controller to determine the depth ofpenetration of the probe into the meat cut. This data is then correlatedwith the probe's IR receiver data which is used to determine the fat tolean transition or fat/lean interface. The correlation of the positiondata to the fat/lean interface data allows the controller to determinethe thickness of the fat layer. The controller is further operable totransmit this fat thickness data to a fat trimming station 1222 so thatthe trimming means can be adjusted according to the fat layer thicknessof the meat cut.

[0041] The various meat cut classification system embodiments andexamples shown above illustrate an effective method and apparatus formeat cut classification based on thickness of the fat layer. A user ofthe present invention may choose any of the above meat classificationsystem embodiments, or an equivalent thereof, depending upon the desiredapplication. In this regard, it is recognized that various forms of thesubject meat classification method and apparatus could be utilizedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0042] As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects ofthe present invention are not limited by the particular details of theexamples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that othermodifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur tothose skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that the claimsshall cover all such modifications and applications that do not departfrom the sprit and scope of the present invention.

[0043] Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present inventioncan be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A meat cut classification system for determiningthe thickness of a layer of fat comprising: a conveyor having split dualbelts proximately spaced apart extending in the same direction andhaving a uniform equidistant gap there between and where said conveyorhas a conveyor drive; a trolley mechanism having a probe assemblyattached thereto where said trolley mechanism is operable to beselectively driven by the conveyor drive by engaging a clutchoperatively linked between said conveyor drive and said trolleymechanism; said trolley mechanism adapted to translate along a railextending in a direction parallel to said split dual belts forpositioning said probe assembly; and said probe assembly having acylinder adapted to elevate a probe of said probe assembly upwardbetween the split dual belts for probing a meat cut being conveyed onsaid conveyor.
 2. The meat cut classification system as recited in claim1 further comprising: a stabilizing roller assembly mounted on a framepositioned above said conveyor where said stabilizing roller assemblyhas a cylinder operable to downwardly extend transverse the direction ofconveyance a roller axially attached to said roller assembly forselectively applying downward pressure to a meat cut being conveyed onthe conveyor sufficient to hold the meat cut on the conveyor duringprobing.
 3. The meat cut classification system as recited in claim 1where said trolley mechanism further comprises: a cam follower operablyattached between a trolley main body and a trolley roller chain wheresaid roller chain is driven by a sprocketed pulley wheel operably linkedthereto and where said sprocketed pulley wheel is axially attached to adrive shaft where said drive shaft is operatively connected to theconveyor drive by the clutch.
 4. The meat cut classification system asrecited in claim 1 where said probe further comprises: a pointed end ofthe probe sufficiently pointed to penetrate a meat cut; a signal emitterhoused interior the probe and adjacent a window of the probe andoperable to emit a signal through said window to a surrounding areaexterior the probe; and a signal receiver housed interior the probe andadjacent the window and operable to receive a signal reflected backthrough the window and transmit a control signal representative of thereflected signal to a controller.
 5. A meat cut classification systemfor determining the thickness of a layer of fat comprising: a conveyorhaving split dual belts proximately spaced apart extending in the samedirection and having a uniform equidistant gap there between and wheresaid conveyor has a conveyor drive; a probe assembly substantiallyaligned with the gap and said probe assembly having a cylinder adaptedto elevate a probe of said probe assembly upward through the gap betweenthe split dual belts for probing a meat cut being conveyed on saidconveyor; and said probe assembly adapted to translate along a guidemember fixed proximate said conveyor and extending in a directionparallel to said split dual belts for positioning said probe assembly.6. The meat cut classification system as recited in claim 5 where saidprobe further comprises: a pointed end of the probe sufficiently pointedfor penetration of the meat cut during probing; a signal emitter housedinterior the probe adjacent a window between the interior and exteriorof the probe where said signal emitter is operable to emit a signalthrough the window to an exterior area surrounding the probe; and asignal receiver housed interior the probe adjacent the window where saidreceiver is operable to receive signals reflected from an exterior areasurrounding the probe back through the window and where said signalreceiver is further operable to transmit a control signal representativeof signals reflected from the exterior area.
 7. The meat cutclassification system as recited in claim 5 further comprising: astabilizing roller assembly mounted on a frame positioned above saidconveyor where said stabilizing roller assembly has a cylinder operableto downwardly extend transverse the direction of conveyance a rolleraxially attached to said roller assembly for selectively applyingdownward pressure to a meat cut being conveyed on the conveyorsufficient to hold the meat cut on the conveyor during probing.
 8. Ameat cut classification system for determining the thickness of a layerof fat comprising: a conveyor having split dual belts proximately spacedapart extending in the same direction and having a uniform equidistantgap there between and where said conveyor has a conveyor drive; and aclutch operatively linked to said conveyor drive to engage the conveyordrive for transferring drive to a pulley drive connected to said clutchfor driving translation of a trolley mechanism with said pulley drivewhere trolley translation speed and conveyor conveyance speed issynchronized.
 9. The meat cut classification system as recited in claim8 further comprising: a stabilizing roller assembly mounted on a framepositioned above said conveyor where said stabilizing roller assemblyhas a cylinder operable to downwardly extend transverse the direction ofconveyance a roller axially attached to said roller assembly forselectively applying downward pressure to a meat cut being conveyed onthe conveyor sufficient to hold the meat cut on the conveyor duringprobing.
 10. A meat cut classification system for determining thethickness of a layer of fat comprising: a trolley mechanism having aprobe assembly attached thereto where a probe of said probe assemblyextends vertically upward from the trolley mechanism and said probeoperable to be extended upward by a cylinder of said probe assemblythrough a uniform equidistant gap between proximately spaced split dualbelts of a conveyor for probing a meat cut; said trolley mechanismoperable to be selectively driven by a conveyor drive by engaging aclutch operatively attached to said trolley and said clutch operativelylinked between said conveyor drive and said trolley mechanism; and saidtrolley mechanism adapted to translate along a rail extending in adirection parallel to said split dual belts.
 11. The meat cutclassification system as recited in claim 10 further comprising: astabilizing roller assembly mounted on a frame positioned above saidconveyor where said stabilizing roller assembly has a cylinder operableto downwardly extend transverse the direction of conveyance a rolleraxially attached to said roller assembly for selectively applyingdownward pressure to a meat cut being conveyed on the conveyorsufficient to hold the meat cut on the conveyor during probing.
 12. Themeat cut classification system as recited in claim 10 where said trolleymechanism further comprises: a trolley main body; and a cam followeroperably attached between the trolley main body and a trolley rollerchain where said roller chain is driven by a sprocketed pulley wheeloperably linked thereto and where said sprocketed pulley wheel isaxially attached to a drive shaft where said drive shaft is operativelyconnected to the conveyor drive by the clutch.
 13. The meat cutclassification system as recited in claim 10 where said probe furthercomprises: a pointed end of the probe sufficiently pointed to penetratea meat cut; a signal emitter housed interior the probe and adjacent awindow of the probe and operable to emit a signal through said window toa surrounding area exterior the probe; and a signal receiver housedinterior the probe and adjacent the window and operable to receive asignal reflected back through the window and transmit a control signalrepresentative of the reflected signal to a controller.
 14. A meat cutclassification system for determining the thickness of a layer of fatcomprising: a rail extending parallel to a conveyor said rail having atrolley mechanism operable to translate along said rail and said trolleyhaving a probe extending vertically upward from said trolley; a camfollower mechanism operatively attached between said trolley and atrolley roller chain where said roller chain has at least one sprocketedpulley axially attached to a drive shaft where said drive shaft isoperatively connected to a conveyor drive by a clutch assembly wheresaid clutch is operable to selectively transfer drive from the conveyordrive to the drive shaft for causing translation of said trolley alongsaid rail; and said probe assembly having a cylinder adapted to elevatea probe upward transverse the direction of conveyance for probing a meatcut.
 15. The meat cut classification system as recited in claim 14 wheresaid probe further comprises: a pointed end of the probe sufficientlypointed to penetrate a meat cut; a signal emitter housed interior theprobe and adjacent a window of the probe and operable to emit a signalthrough said window to a surrounding area exterior the probe; and asignal receiver housed interior the probe and adjacent the window andoperable to receive a signal reflected back through the window andtransmit a control signal representative of the reflected signal to acontroller.
 16. A meat cut classification method for determining thethickness of a layer of fat comprising: conveying a meat cut with aconveyor having split dual belts proximately spaced apart extending inthe same direction and having a uniform equidistant gap there betweenand where said conveyor has a conveyor drive; selectively translating atrolley mechanism having a probe assembly attached thereto byselectively engaging a clutch operatively linked between said conveyordrive and said trolley mechanism, where translating is along a railextending in a direction parallel to said split dual belts forpositioning said probe assembly; and elevating upward a probe verticallyextending from the probe assembly with a cylinder of said probe assemblywhere said cylinder is adapted to elevate a probe upward between thesplit dual belts.
 17. The meat cut classification method of claim 16where the step of elevating upward a probe further comprises the stepsof: sensing the presence of a meat cut conveyed along a portion of theconveyor with a meat cut detection sensor; providing a meat cut presentcontrol signal to a controller responsive to sensing the presence of ameat cut with said meat cut detection sensor; sensing when thetranslation speed of the trolley mechanism is synchronized with theconveyor conveyance speed with a speed synchronization sensor; andproviding a synchronous speed control signal to the controllerresponsive to sensing synchronized translation and conveyance speeds,where elevating upward is responsive to a meat cut present controlsignal and a synchronous speed control signal and is for penetrating themeat cut.
 18. The meat cut classification method of claim 17 furthercomprising the step of: retracting downward the probe with the cylinder,removing the probe from the meat cut.
 19. The meat cut classificationmethod of claim 16 further comprising the step of: lowering astabilizing roller with a cylinder of a stabilizing roller assemblyattached to a frame positioned above the conveyor and pressing down on ameat cut with said stabilizing roller.
 20. A meat cut classificationmethod for determining the thickness of a layer of fat comprising:conveying a meat cut with a conveyor having split dual belts proximatelyspaced apart extending in the same direction and having a uniformequidistant gap there between and where said conveyor has a conveyordrive; elevating upward through said gap with a cylinder a probe forprobing a meat cut being conveyed on said conveyor; and translating saidprobe along said gap in a direction of conveyance and at a translationspeed synchronized with a conveyance speed.
 21. The meat cutclassification method of claim 20 where the step of elevating upward aprobe further comprises the steps of: sensing the presence of a meat cutconveyed along a portion of the conveyor with a meat cut detectionsensor; providing a meat cut present control signal to a controllerresponsive to sensing the presence of a meat cut with said meat cutdetection sensor; sensing when the translation speed of the trolleymechanism is synchronized with the conveyor conveyance speed with aspeed synchronization sensor; and providing a synchronous speed controlsignal to a controller responsive to sensing synchronized translationand conveyance speeds, where elevating upward is responsive to a meatcut present control signal and a synchronous speed control signal and isfor penetrating the meat cut.
 22. The meat cut classification method ofclaim 21 further comprising the step of: retracting downward the probewith the cylinder, removing the probe from the meat cut.
 23. The meatcut classification method of claim 20 further comprising the step of:lowering a stabilizing roller with a cylinder of a stabilizing rollerassembly attached to a frame positioned above the conveyor and pressingdown on a meat cut with said stabilizing roller.